Striking up the bands for Hospice Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE – Nothing says a good time like making music for a worthwhile cause.

Huntsville Community Band will host its annual Strike Up the Band concert on Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. in Algonquin Theatre. The event not only creates a venue for great music but also raises funds for local charities.

This year, said conductor Jordan Riley, the band chose to support Hospice Huntsville.

“It’s a difficult decision every year because there are so many worthwhile charities,” said Riley. “We felt that this is an organization that is expanding and that needed some financial support at this time.”

Hospice Huntsville is in the process of building the area’s first five-bed residential hospice, which, according to the organization, will provide people will a place to live their last days with dignity and support.

The bands lined up for the approximately two-hour concert include the Huntsville Community Band, two high school concert bands, two high school stage bands and the Song Project.

“It provides diverse entertainment, so it’s not just the same band performing all evening,” said Riley of the various groups.

Along with fundraising, Riley said the concert also gives the bands involved a chance to perform their material in front of an audience prior to festival competitions in March.

“For the students, it’s an opportunity to get some stage experience before performing for an adjudication (judging) panel and get used to performing in front of an audience,” he said.

He said music will include “typical concert band” pieces such as marches and classical wind ensemble arrangements.

But there will also be an elemental of cool with jazz, swing, Latin and funk-rock.

In addition, the Song Project, which is a combination of students and faculty, will be performing a variety of genres from Motown to new country, he said.

Although many of the ensembles performing are returning from last year, Riley said the repertoire has been shaken up.

“We want the audience to be entertained and to see that the community is joining together to provide some fundraising for a worthwhile charity,” he said.

Tickets are $18 and available from Algonquin Theatre, by calling 705-789-4975, or from the box office at 37 Main St., E., Huntsville, or by visiting www.algonquintheatre.ca.